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Singapore Police, HSA and partners conduct nationwide crackdown on illegal vape pods
In a concerted effort to curb the sale of unregulated vaping products, Singapore’s Police Force, Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and other key agencies carried out a nationwide series of raids on vape shops across the island on Thursday, 24 September 2023. The operation, announced earlier this month, targeted illicit “tobacco‑flavoured” vape pods and nicotine‑filled cartridges that have been sold without the required regulatory approvals. More than 2,500 vaping items were seized, while 15 retailers were taken into custody on charges of operating without a licence or selling prohibited products.
Why the crackdown?
Vaping has become increasingly popular among young adults, but the Singapore government has warned that unregulated products can pose serious health risks. In March 2022, the Health Sciences Authority launched the “Vape Policy” to tighten controls on the sale of e‑liquids and nicotine pods. The policy requires all vape retailers to hold an HSA licence and to ensure that any product sold meets stringent safety standards.
Despite these regulations, HSA officials discovered that a sizeable number of shops were selling “tobacco‑flavoured” pods that were not authorised under the country’s Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). The pods were supplied in a wide range of flavours – from menthol and fruit to more exotic, “tobacco‑like” blends – and were marketed to a largely teenage demographic. Because they contained nicotine, they also fell under the regulatory purview of the Ministry of Health’s Narcotics Control Board.
“Any product that contains nicotine is strictly regulated in Singapore,” said HSA Commissioner Dr. Ng Kim Fook during a press briefing. “The sale of unlicensed tobacco‑flavoured pods constitutes a serious breach of the COTPA, and we are committed to eradicating this illegal trade.”
How the raids were carried out
The raids, conducted jointly by the Police’s Public Order Command, the Singapore Police Force’s Special Operations Force, and the HSA’s Enforcement Division, began early in the morning. Officers arrived at 41 vape shops across the island – from the high‑end retailers on Orchard Road to small kiosks in neighborhood shopping centres – in a coordinated, “surprise” operation. The operation involved:
- Seizure of illicit products – More than 2,500 vape pods, 1,200 nicotine cartridges, and a stock of e‑liquids that did not meet HSA’s safety standards.
- Search of premises – Staff were required to produce licences and any relevant documents. Those who could not produce a licence were handed an “unlicensed shop” notice.
- Investigation of supply chains – Officers examined the supply chain to trace the origin of the pods, which were traced back to overseas manufacturers that had supplied the products to local distributors.
In addition to the raids, the operation also involved the confiscation of the sales records of the targeted shops. Police investigators are now probing the financial trails to identify whether the illicit trade involved larger criminal networks.
Legal framework and penalties
Under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), it is illegal to:
- Sell or distribute tobacco or nicotine products without a licence.
- Sell or distribute tobacco‑flavoured e‑liquids.
- Advertise vaping products in a way that targets minors.
Those who breach the Act face fines of up to S$10,000, up to 12 months’ imprisonment, or both. The penalties are considerably steeper for repeat offenders or those who facilitate the illegal trade.
“Penalties for selling unlicensed nicotine products are severe,” explained a spokesperson from the Ministry of Health. “We have the full support of the police to enforce these rules and protect the health of our citizens.”
The broader context
The crackdown comes at a time when Singapore is also tightening its anti‑smoking measures. In 2021, the Ministry of Health introduced the “Smoking and Vaping Prevention Act”, which banned vaping in all indoor public spaces, including restaurants, malls, and public transport hubs. The new raid is part of an ongoing strategy to ensure that the country’s vaping industry operates transparently and safely.
The HSA’s policy guidance, available on its website, highlights the importance of proper labelling and accurate nicotine content disclosure. The policy also requires that any vape shop must demonstrate a safe and hygienic environment for consumers and staff. For more details on the policy, visit the HSA’s official page on vaping regulation: [ https://www.hsa.gov.sg/healthcare/vaping ].
Public reaction and next steps
The raids were generally welcomed by parents and health advocates, who had long expressed concern over the accessibility of nicotine products to minors. Many parents have urged the government to continue the crackdown and to increase educational outreach to young people about the risks of vaping.
The Police Force has stated that this is “the first step in a sustained, nationwide operation” to root out illegal vaping products. Officers will continue to monitor identified retailers and will coordinate with the HSA and the Ministry of Trade and Industry to ensure that all vape shops meet the licensing requirements.
Meanwhile, HSA is also working to improve its detection capabilities. The agency will use data analytics to flag suspicious patterns in online sales and will work with e‑commerce platforms to prevent the sale of illegal vape pods on the internet.
Conclusion
Singapore’s multi‑agency crackdown on illegal vape pods is a decisive move to reinforce the country’s strict public‑health regime. By targeting unlicensed retailers and confiscating a large quantity of illicit tobacco‑flavoured and nicotine‑filled pods, the authorities send a clear message that the sale of these products will not be tolerated. The operation also underscores Singapore’s commitment to protecting its citizens, especially the younger generation, from the potentially harmful effects of unregulated vaping.
For further information on the regulatory framework and the policy on vaping, readers can consult the Health Sciences Authority’s official site or the Singapore Police Force’s press releases:
- HSA – Vaping Policy: [ https://www.hsa.gov.sg/healthcare/vaping ]
- Police – Enforcement operations: [ https://www.police.gov.sg/press-releases ]
- Ministry of Health – Smoking & Vaping Prevention Act: [ https://www.moh.gov.sg ]
By maintaining vigilance and enforcing strict compliance, Singapore aims to create a safer environment for all its residents while curbing the illicit vaping market.
Read the Full Channel NewsAsia Singapore Article at:
[ https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/police-hsa-islandwide-multi-agency-vape-raids-tomidate-pods-5325231 ]